Hispanic night celebrates the diverse culture of Latin America through a night of fun, food, and salsa (both the food and dance). It allows the students to be more educated about other cultures, and the students get the whole experience without even leaving the school’s cafeteria. This annual tradition has been going on for many years, hosted by the students of the Spanish Honor Society. They prepared the food, the decorations, and even set up some activity stands. “We’ve set up face painting, origami, and made papel picado, or paper decorations,” states 10th grader Megan Winner, a student in Spanish Honors Society. “All these festivities represent Hispanic culture in a fun and distinct way.”

But what makes Hispanic culture different from other cultures? “It’s very diverse,” said Senorita Rivera, one of the Spanish teachers at Roosevelt. “Hispanic cultures have many different cultures incorporated into one. The music and food from various Spanish speaking countries are all significantly different.” Hispanic night exhibited this well, with different foods such as arroz con pollo, taquitos, guacamole, etc. The food was also a big hit with Elizabeth Mulvey, a 10th grader who attended. “I love the food, and everything else about Hispanic Culture. The dancing, the distinctive people; it’s all really cool. I love how there’s so much meaning in the traditions.” The food, the people, and the traditions are all what makes up Hispanic culture, and what was exuberated in Hispanic night through fun and festiveness.